Common causes of residential fires in Charleston and how to prevent them

When you own a home, there are numerous hazards to think about. Fire is at the top of the list, as it can happen in various places and at any moment. The U.S. Fire Administration estimated a stunning $8.9 billion in property damage in the United States because of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were over 350,000 recorded occurrences. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to stay clear of them. Investigate the causes and how to prevent house fires in Charleston.

What sparks residential fires in Charleston?

Fires can sprout up anywhere and without warning, whether caused by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the leading causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Incidents in the kitchen are the most common kinds of residential fires in Charleston and everywhere else. Unattended stovetops are the main source, so always pay attention to that hot skillet when cooking. It’s also important to note that drenching a grease fire with water will only make matters worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Using them for too long may result in inner elements wearing down and sparking. Placing heaters by combustible objects like blankets and curtains or using damaged cords may also lead to disastrous results. Other heating devices, such as HVAC systems and fireplaces, might cause fires and should be inspected periodically.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, faulty outlets, and overburdened extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Whenever you discern flickering lights, sparking from an outlet, or odd odors, get it investigated right away.
• Candles: When there's a flame, there's the possibility of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still commonplace and typically result from people being careless. Putting them within a pet’s domain or next to combustible objects will often result in disaster.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall decline in smoking across the nation, it’s still an unquestionable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were a result of smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can bring about catastrophic results.

The primary way to prevent house fires in Charleston is to be diligent at all times. Always pay attention when cooking, never leave a candle burning unattended, and properly dispose of cigarettes. If you need to use a space heater, do so sparingly and use one that offers an automatic shut-off switch in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Charleston

You should have smoke detectors on each floor and more next to bedrooms. But you can take your safety a step further with a monitored fire alarm. These innovative safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to elevated heat levels. Furthermore, since they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll alert you and your monitoring professionals whenever a disaster strikes. This is a worthwhile perk, specifically when you’re not home to hear the alarm and phone the fire department yourself.

Safeguard your home against common dangers with a Vivint smart home in Charleston

Elevate the safety of your property today with a Vivint smart home. You can customize our systems with monitored fire alarms, water sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors. You’ll appreciate the instant alerts to your smartphone and the peace of mind that comes with professional monitoring. Contact (843) 892-5638 to speak with a skilled Vivint professional.